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Picture of the day

Early American currency went through several stages of development during the colonial and post-revolutionary history of the United States. During the American Revolution, the colonies became independent states. No longer subject to arbitrarily imposed monetary regulations by the British Parliament, the states began to issue paper money, to pay for military expenses.

This three pounds banknote was issued by the Colony of Virginia, dated 4 March 1773; it is part of the National Numismatic Collection at the Smithsonian Institution.

Banknote design credit: Colony of Virginia, engraved by Henry Ashby; photographed by Andrew Shiva